Once Were Warriors (1994)

Based on the novel by Alan Duff, this film tells the ever-increasingly tragic story of a family in crisis.

Beth Heke (Rena Owen) lives in a suburb of Auckland in low-cost housing with her husband Jake (Temuera Morrison), and their children: eldest son Nig (Julian Arahanga), daughter Grace (Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell), son Mark (Taungaroa Emile), daughter Polly (Rachael Morris Jr.) and son Huata (Joseph Kairau).

Their lives seem very far removed from their cultural heritage (Maori). In fact, this is one of the strongest themes of the film: the negative side of assimilation. As the family live more and more in a Euro-centric culture, the more their traditions and culture are being forgotten and cast aside.

Jake Heke (Temuera Morrison).

Mark is constantly in trouble with the law, and early into the film, is taken into welfare custody by the court. Nig has recently joined a gang, desperate for something that resembles a family, as he doesn't get that at home.

Jake - recently laid off from work - has an incredibly violent temper, which usually manifests itself after he has been drinking. It is almost always Beth who bears the brunt of his violence, constantly making excuses for him and his behaviour.

Grace - caught in the middle of all of this - is desperate to break free of this cycle of violence and abuse. She often confides in her best friend, Toot (Shannon Williams), a young boy who lives in a broken-down car under a bridge. She also constantly writes in her journal, hoping to be a writer one day.

The family have a lot of friends and acquaintances around them, including 'Uncle' Bully (Cliff Curtis). I won't say too much about him here, but only to mention that he does a great job at portraying his character, as dark and chilling as it may be.

Beth Heke (Rena Owen).

Riwia Brown - who wrote the screenplay based on Duff's novel - has done an incredible job at capturing a slice of society. In fact, the most tragic thing about this film is the realisation that there are people whose lives resemble those of the Heke family. The characters are all very clearly defined, and the characters of Beth and Jake in particular are incredibly well written.

Michael Kane's production design is also brilliant. His sets and set pieces are fantastic, capturing the personality of the characters and the nuances of the environment in a beautiful way. Everything looks and feels so real, there are moments when it feels like you are watching a documentary rather than a film, which again adds not only to the realism of the story, but the greater tragedy behind it.

The original music, by Murray Grindlay & Murray McNabb, suits the film and the characters to a tee. The film opens with a simple, traditional Maori melody, that quickly transitions as the camera pans across the freeway into distorted electric guitars playing the opening theme to begin with, then moving into a different melody, in a way that perfectly mirrors the central themes of the film (as mentioned earlier).

Grace Heke (Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell).

The performances of the entire cast are exceptional, in particular Owen and Morrison as the two parents. But an honourable mention must also go to Kerr-Bell, who plays Grace. The emotions and feelings that are shown in her eyes will haunt you long after the film is over.

Overall, this is a film about the love of a parent for their children, and the lengths a parent will go to in order to protect their children. Both Jake and Beth clearly love their children, but they show that love in incredibly different ways. Jake's demonstrations of love may be incredibly misguided, but they are nonetheless heartfelt.

Director Lee Tamahori has done well in bringing the novel to the screen, and crafting a film that quickly became a classic. It is a film that still continues to confront and challenge audiences, and is definitely not a film for the faint of heart. If you can, you should watch it, though I realise this is not a film for everyone.

7 out of 10.